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Materials and production technologies for nuclear fusion - reliable, efficient, future-oriented

Profile

The Fraunhofer IWS develops system solutions in laser and materials technology - from easily integrated individual solutions to complete solutions suitable for industrial use. With laser processes, functionalized surfaces and material and process innovations, we address industries such as energy and environmental technology, aerospace, automotive, medical technology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, microelectronics and photonics. Our goal: to quickly transfer research into industrial practice.

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The safe and sustainable generation of energy through nuclear fusion represents a major technological challenge. Now that it has been proven that more energy can be generated than is needed to start the reaction, the focus is on the technological requirements for the construction of fusion power plants. This requires materials that can withstand extreme thermal, mechanical and chemical stresses, as well as production technologies that enable scaling up to industry. We develop key technologies that contribute to the realization of durable, high-performance components for fusion power plants. The focus is on highly specialized materials, coatings and manufacturing processes for components under fusion reactor conditions. Cross-section technologies for magnetic confinement and inertial confinement fusion are addressed. Continuous material characterization and expertise contribute to the reliability and performance of future fusion devices.

Technology / Research

• High-performance materials and coatings:
  Development of innovative tritium barrier coatings - e.g. high-density ta C coatings in the "TritiumStopp" project - to minimize the loss of tritium and other hydrogen isotopes in fusion devices. At the same time, the "ORCHESTER" project is coupling material design with manufacturing technologies: innovative nozzle systems with multiple powder feeds can be used to adapt the alloy design to different application conditions during additive manufacturing.
• Scalable, safe processes:
  Additive manufacturing of large components and multi-material components made of high-performance materials - including high-entropy alloys, titanium aluminides, titanium and nickel-based alloys as well as copper alloys such as CuCrZr - that can withstand extreme stresses caused by temperatures, magnetic fields and neutron radiation. Comprehensive material characterizations are also carried out: Tests on material fatigue, microstructure and long-term behavior under realistic operating conditions ensure the reliability and durability of the components.